Systems and methods for determining a lens prescription

ABSTRACT

Methods for dispensing eyeglasses are disclosed. The methods involve making a subjective refraction and an objective refraction and Sending the information to a calculation computer to combine both retractions to calculate the person&#39;s prescription. The person&#39;s prescription is subsequently sent to a manufacturing location separate from the calculation computer for manufacture of the lenses.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/185,524, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORDERING LENSES,” filed onAug. 4, 2008, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Eye care professionals (ECPs), such as opticians, optometristsophthalmologists, and eye doctors, typically dispense eye glasses topeople based on a study of the person's vision that involves taking amedical history of the persons vision and a subjective refraction to getthe person's prescription. After the person selects eyeglass frames, theECP usually measures the centration of the frame for the person andorders lenses for the frame based on the person's prescription and thecentration measurement.

SUMMARY

Methods for dispensing eyeglasses are disclosed.

In some aspects, the methods involve making a subjective refraction andsending the information from the subjective refraction to a calculationcomputer to calculate the person's prescription. The person'sprescription is sent to a manufacturing location separate from thecalculation computer for manufacture of the lenses.

In some additional aspects, the methods involve making a subjectiverefraction and an objective refraction and sending the information fromthe subjective and objective refractions to a calculation computer tocalculate the person's prescription. The person's prescription is sentto a manufacturing location separate from the calculation computer formanufacture of the lenses. Making the objective refraction may involvemaking is wavefront measurement of one or both of the person's eyes andcalculating the person's prescription may involve using the wavefrontmeasurement to calculate the person's prescription.

In some additional aspects, methods for dispensing eyeglasses caninvolve providing a communication link between a computer located at aneye care professional's office and a calculation computer locatedelsewhere. The method can include determining a prescription based oninformation gathered by the eye care professional and sent to thecalculation computer. The method can also involve placing an order foreye glass lenses by sending information to a manufacturing computer in alocation separate from the calculation computer. In this method, thecalculations used to determine the prescription for the lenses areperformed at a location separate from the manufacturing location.

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a Method thatincludes making a subjective refraction and an objective refraction of aperson to determine information about the person's vision. The methodalso includes entering the information about person's vision based onthe subjective refraction and the objective refraction into a firstcomputer system. The method also includes sending the information aboutthe person's vision to a second computer system, the second computersystem being configured to perform calculations based on informationabout the person's vision and generate prescription information. Thesecond computer is in a separate location from the first computer. Themethod also includes receiving, at the first computer from the secondcomputer, the prescription information. The method also includes placingan order for a lens based on the prescription information by sending theprescription information from the first computer to a third computerassociated with a lens manufacturing site. The third computer is it aseparate location from the first computer and the second computer.

In general, in another aspect, the disclosure features a method thatincludes receiving, at a second computer from a first computer,information about a person's vision including subjective refractioninformation and objective refraction information. The second computer isin a separate location from the first computer and in a separatelocation from a third computer associated with a lens manufacturingsite. The method also includes performing, using the second computer,calculations to generate a lens prescription based on the informationabout the person's vision. The method also includes sending the revisedlens prescription to the first computer.

In general, in an additional aspect, the disclosure features a methodthat includes making a subjective refraction of a person to determineinformation about the person's Vision. The method also includes making awavefront measurement of one or both of the person's eyes to determineinformation about the optical properties of one or both of the personseyes. The method also includes sending the information about theperson's vision and the information about the optical properties of oneor both of the person's eyes from an ordering computer in the eye careprocessional's of to a calculation computer located in a locationseparate from the eye care professional's office. The method alsoincludes receiving, at the ordering computer, prescription informationfrom the calculation computer. The method also includes orderingeyeglass lenses based on the prescription by sending the prescriptioninformation to a manufacturing computer.

Embodiments can include one or more of the following.

The first computer can be an ordering computer. The second computer canbe a calculation computer. The third computer can be a manufacturingcomputer. The ordering computer calculation computer and manufacturingcomputer can each be located in a different location.

Multiple ordering computers can be connected to a single calculationcomputer. Multiple ordering computers can be connected to amanufacturing location.

The objective refraction can be derived from a wavefront measurement ofone or both of the person's eyes that determines information about theoptical properties of one or both of the person's eyes.

The objective refraction can be derived from a ray tracing method of oneor both of the person's eyes that determines information about theoptical properties of one or both of the person's eyes.

The objective refraction can be derived from a tomographic method of oneor both of the person's eyes determining information about the opticalproperties of one or both of the person's eyes.

The objective refraction can be derived from a corneal topography methodof one or both of the person's eyes determining information about theoptical properties of one or both of the person's eyes corneas.

The method can also include sending the lens prescription from the firstcomputer to the third computer.

In some aspects, a system includes an input interface configured toinput information about a person's vision determined on the basis of asubjective refraction. The system also includes a device configured toobtain information about a person's vision determined on the basis of anobjective refraction. The system also includes a calculating deviceconfigured to calculate a prescription for the person based on theinformation about the person's vision determined by subjectiverefraction and based on the information about the persons visiondetermined by objective refraction. The system also includes anoutputting interface configured to output the prescription, wherein thecalculation device is located in a separate location from the inputinterface, the output interface, and a manufacturing location.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a procedure for determining an eyeglassprescription and ordering lenses.

FIG. 2 is block diagram of a multi-computer system.

FIG. 3 is block diagram of a multi-computer system.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure for determining an eyeglassprescription and ordering lenses.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure for determining an eyeglassprescription.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure for determining an eyeglassprescription.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate hide elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , a procedure 100 for obtaining an eyeglassprescription and ordering eyeglass lenses for a person includes makingan anamnesis 102 and medical investigation 104 of the person, followedby a subjective refraction 106 and an objective refraction measurement108. For example, the ECP can make a wavefront measurement. The eye careprofessional (ECP) determines the person's prescription 110 based on theresults of subjective refraction 106 and wavefront measurement 108.After the person selects eyeglass frames 112, the ECP optional measuresa centration 114 of the frames and orders the lenses 118 from a lensmaker (e.g., from a third party lens maker or an in-house lens maker)according to the prescription and centration measurement.

The various portions of procedure 100 for obtaining an eyeglassprescription and ordering eyeglass lenses for a person occur in multiplelocations. For example, FIG. 2 shows an arrangement that includes anordering location 130 that includes an ordering computer 136, acalculation location 140 that includes a calculation computer 142, and amanufacturing location 150 that includes a manufacturing computer 152.The ordering computer 136, calculation computer 142, and manufacturingcomputer 152 are in electronic communication and transmit data used todetermine the eyeglass prescription and place the order for the eyeglasslenses. The ordering location 130, calculation location 140, andmanufacturing location 150 can be physically separate locations (e.g.,located in separate buildings) and/or can be separate systems locatedwithin a single facility.

The interactions between the ECP 132 and person 134 (e.g., makinganamnesis 102, performing the medical investigation 104, performingsubjective refraction 106 measurements, and performing a wavefrontmeasurement 108) occur at the ordering location 130, for example at theECP's office or other facility (as described in more detail below). Atthe ordering location 130, the ECP 132 enters the information obtainedduring the interaction between the ECP 132 and person 134 into theordering computer 136 and transmits the information to the calculationcomputer 142 (as indicated by arrow 138). The calculation computer 142performs calculations based on the information received from theordering computer 136 and generates information relevant for theselecting and/or manufacturing the lens such as prescriptioninformation, lens thickness, information related to manufacturability,and/or an estimated cost of the lens. The calculation computer 142 sendsthe information to the ordering computer 136 (as indicated by arrow144). The process of sending information to the calculation computer 142and receiving information relevant for the manufacturing of the lens canbe an iterative process. For example, if the ECP 132 is not satisfiedwith the calculated prescription or other information related to thelenses, the ECP 132 revises the data and sends the revised data to thecalculation computer 142 to generate revised prescription data. When theECP 132 is satisfied with the prescription, the prescription and otherinformation relevant for the manufacturing of the lens are sent from theordering computer 136 to the manufacturing computer 152 (as indicated byarrow 146) and the manufacturing computer 152 sends a confirmation ofthe order to the ordering computer 136 (as indicated by arrow 148). Dueto the dispersed nature of this arrangement, all calculations todetermine the prescription based on the wavefront data and otherinformation provided by the ECP are performed in a location separatefrom the manufacturing location 150.

It is believed that performing the calculations to generate the lensprescription at a calculation computer 142 that is separate from theordering computer 136 and the manufacturing computer 152 providesvarious advantages. For example, in some embodiments, performing thecalculations at a location separate from the manufacturing site canreduce the amount of data transferred to the manufacturing site (e.g.,the wavefront data is not sent to the manufacturing computer). Ifexisting ordering systems associated with a particular manufacturingsite do not include fields for providing wavefront data, performing thecalculations at a separate location prior to sending the information tothe manufacturing site can allow a prescription to be ordered using theexisting ordering systems that accounts for the wavefront data. Forexample, some manufacturing locations may not have the capability to usewavefront data to determine a prescription. By performing thecalculations at a separate location and sending a prescription thatalready accounts for the wavefront data, the manufacturing locations cangenerate lenses having prescriptions based on wavefront data withouthaving to upgrade the manufacturing locations to perform suchcalculations. In addition, since the prescription is determined prior toplacing the order at the manufacturing location, the ECP can review andadjust the prescription prior to placing the order.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, performingthe calculations at a calculation computer 142 that is separate from theordering computer 136 and the manufacturing computer 152 allows multipleordering computers 136 a, 136 b, 136 c to send data to a centralcalculation computer 142 that performs the calculations to determine theprescriptions. By having multiple ordering computers 136 a, 136 b, 136 cusing the same central calculation computer 142, the amount of softwareand data needed by the ordering computers 136 a, 136 b, 136 c isreduced. Similarly, if information such as an algorithm for determininga prescription or new lens data is generated or updated, only thecentral calculation computer 142 would require an update rather thaneach of the ordering computers 136 a, 136 b, 136 c requiring an update.

FIG. 4 shows a process 170 for using the ordering computer 136,calculation computer 142 and manufacturing computer 152 to generate andplace an order for eyeglass lenses. Portions of the process 170 occur ateach of the ordering location 130, the calculation location 140, and themanufacturing location 150 as indicated by the left, middle, and rightvertical columns, respectively.

At the ordering location 130, the ECP 132 examines 172 the eyes of theperson 134 (172). The examination can include making anamnesis (e.g., asshown in step 102 of FIG. 1 ). Making anamnesis typically involvesquestioning the person 134 regarding his or her medical and ocularhistory and any noticeable eye problems. Anamnesis can also includereviewing records of the person's eye care history. For example, in someembodiments, the anamnesis can be performed in conjunction to reviewinga previous eyeglass prescription. The examination can also include amedical investigation of a person performed by the ECP 132 (e.g., asshown in step 104 of FIG. 1 ). The medical examination can includedetermining visual acuity in each eye using the Snellen Chart, whichconsists of random letters of different sizes. The letters for normalvision (20/20) are ⅜-inch tall, viewed at 20 feet. In some embodiments,the medical investigation can include measuring the person's eyemovement and peripheral vision. These can be tested by moving a light orobject through the person's field of vision and observing the person'sresponse. The person's reaction to light (e.g., pupillary response) canalso be measured. The examination can also include testing color vision,contrast sensitivity and night vision.

During the examination, color blindness can be tested by, for example,having the person observe multicolored dots that form numbers. Colorblindness can result in the person's inability to see certain numbers orto see a different number than people who are not color blind. Themedical examination can also include glaucoma testing (e.g., tonometry),which typically involves directing a puff of air at the person's eye.The eyes response to the air puff is used to measure the pressure of theperson's eyes, where abnormal readings are related to glaucoma. Themedical investigation also generally includes visual observation of theperson's eyes by the ECP 132. For example, the retina, fundus, retinalvessels, and optic nerve head can be viewed with an ophthalmoscope.Drops that dilate the person's pupil may be used to allow more of thefundus to be viewed, although subjective refraction is generallyperformed prior to this dilation as these drops typically blur theperson's vision for a period of time.

The examination can also include subjective refraction analysis,sometimes referred to simply as a refraction (e.g., as shown in step 106of FIG. 1 ). Subjective refraction generally involves positioningdifferent lenses of different strength in front of the person's eyesusing a phoropter or a trial frame and asking the person about theirvision for the different lenses. Typically, the person sits behind thephoropter, and looks through it at an eve chart placed at opticalinfinity (e.g., 20 feet or 6 meters for distance vision), then at near(e.g., 16 inches or 40 centimeters for near vision) for individualsneeding reading glasses. The ECP 132 then changes lenses and othersettings, while asking the person for subjective feedback on whichsettings gave the best vision. Subjection refraction is typicallyperformed on each eye separately (monocular refraction), and then onboth eyes together (binocular refraction). In certain embodiments,subjective refraction is performed only on both eyes together to providebinocular information. In such cases, the monocular information isdetermined from wavefront measurement. Subjective refraction can be usedto determine initial values for sphere (also referred to as meansphere), cylinder, and/or cylinder axis for both eyes. Also, in someembodiments, subjective refraction can be used to determine prism andbase. This information can be determined for both distance vision andnear vision.

The process 170 also includes performing a wavefront measurement (174).The wavefront measurement can be performed using a Hartmann-Shacksensor. In such sensors, a narrow beam of radiation output from a laseror a superluminescence diode, for example, is projected onto the retinaof the person's eye through the optics of the eye. Then, radiationscattered from the retina passes through the optics, and emerges fromthe pupil. The wavefront of the emerging beam carries informationrelating to aberration errors of the optics of the eye. Then, thewavefront of the emerging beam at the exit pupil plane of the eye isrelayed (by relay optics) onto a Hartmann-Shack sensor, and output fromthe Hartmann-Shack sensor is used to measure the wavefront of theemerging beam. For an emmetropic eye, i.e., an eye without aberrationerror, the wavefront of the emerging beam is a flat surface, whereas,for an eye that produces aberration errors, the wavefront of theemerging beam is distorted from the flat surface.

A Hartmann-Shack sensor typically includes a lenslet array and a CCDcamera, which CCD camera is typically located at a focal plane of thelenslet array. Whenever a beam to be measured is projected onto theHartmann-Shack sensor, the lenslet array breaks the beam intosub-apertures, and forms a pattern of focal spots. The CCD camerarecords this pattern of focal spots, and a computer analyzes the patternof focal spots to measure the wavefront of the beam.

Further embodiments of methods and systems for making wavefrontmeasurements of a people eyes are disclosed in the following patents:U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/835,109, entitled “EYEGLASSPRESCRIPTION METHOD” and filed on Aug. 7, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,795B1, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING REFRACTIVE ERRORS OF ANEYE;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,146 B1, entitled “WAVEFRONT REFRACTORSIMULTANEOUSLY RECORDING TWO HARTMANN-SHACK IMAGES;” U.S. Pat. No.6,575,572 B2, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING OPTICALABERRATIONS OF AN EYE:” U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,555 B2, entitled “METHOD FORDETERMINING VISION DEFECTS AND FOR COLLECTING DATA FOR CORRECTING VISIONDEFECTS OF THE EYE BY INTERACTION OF A PATIENT WITH AN EXAMINER ANDAPPARATUS THEREFORE;” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,986 B2, entitled “SYSTEMFOR MEASURING THE OPTICAL IMAGE QUALITY OF AN EYE IN A CONTACTLESSMANNER.” The entire contents of U.S. Ser. No. 11/835,109, U.S. Pat. No.6,382,795 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,146 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,572 B2,U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,555 B2, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,986 B2 are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

The wavefront refractor can measure a variety of different opticalerrors of the person's eyes, such as, for example, second orderaberrations, defocus, astigmatism, and higher order aberrationsincluding coma, trefoil, and spherical aberrations. These errors can bemeasured quickly (e.g., in seconds).

After collecting the information from the eye examination and thewavefront measurement, the ECP 132 enters information about thepatient's eyes into the ordering computer 136 at the ordering location130 (176). This information is sent from the ordering computer 136 tothe calculation computer 142 (178). In addition to the examination andwavefront information, the information sent to the calculation computer142 can include information about the eyeglass frames and centrationmeasurement. Centration refers to the horizontal distance between thecentration points of the pair of lenses and can be specified bymonocular values, measured from the assumed centreline of the bridge ofthe nose or spectacle frame. Alternatively, if an inter-pupillarydistance is specified, this is taken to be the centration distance. Incertain embodiments, additional features for the eye glasses, forexample, optional optical coatings (e.g., antireflection coatings),bifocal lenses, and/or sun-activated tints can also be entered into theordering computer 136 and sent to the calculation computer 142.

The calculation computer 142 receives the information from the orderingcomputer 136 (180) and determines the person's prescription based on theresults of subjective refraction and wavefront measurement using analgorithm (182). In general, the algorithm can utilize data from anumber of different sources to calculate the person's prescription. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the algorithm takes into account thewavefront data from both eyes, the data from subjective refraction fromboth eyes, and additional data from the ECP 132. Additional data caninclude, for example, addition, prism, and/or base for one or both eyes,design preferences, and/or expected light conditions for the use one orboth lenses. Another example of additional data is where the ECP 132wants the prescription to be optimized for a certain distance (e.g.,different from infinity), this information can be provided so thatsubsequent determinations are performed based on the distance.

In some embodiments, the calculation computer 142 determines theperson's prescription from wavefront data by first determining Zernikecoefficients which characterize the aberrations in the person's eye.Alternatively, or additionally, the person's prescription can becalculated from the three-dimensional wavefront map itself. The person'sprescription (e.g., sphere, cylinder, and cylinder axis) can bedetermined from the Zernike coefficients or from the three-dimensionalman using a variety of methods. For example, one can calculate sphere,cylinder, and cylinder axis by fitting a torical surface to thewavefront data. Alternatively, or additionally, the Zernike coefficientsor the three-dimensional wavefront map can be used to construct an imageof a point source on the person's retina, and the sphere, cylinder, andcylinder axis can be determined using an image quality metric.

In some embodiments, the calculation computer 142 determines theperson's prescription from wavefront data for distance vision andwavefront data for near vision. With this, the person's prescription canbe calculated including both the prescription for distance vision andthe prescription for near vision.

Exemplary methods are disclosed, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,180,entitled “DETERMINATION OF OCULAR REFRACTION FROM WAVEFRONT ABERRATIONDATA AND DESIGN OF OPTIMUM CUSTOMIZED CORRECTION,” and in EuropeanPatent No. EP 1 324 689 B1, entitled “DETERMINATION OF OCULAR REFRACTIONFROM WAVEFRONT ABERRATION DATA,” the entire contents both of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, the calculation computer 142 determines theperson's prescription from wavefront data using ray tracing techniques.For example, a ray tracing algorithm can be used to trace a bundle ofrays through the patient's eye based on the wavefront data. Sphere,cylinder, and cylinder axis, for example, can be determined from thebehavior of the rays at various locations along their path using one ormore metrics. For example, in some embodiments, the prescription isdetermined using a metric based on characteristics of the bundle of raysat and around their point of minimum aperture (e.g., at their positionof focus within the eye). These characteristics can include thecross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape, and/or longitudinalextension at this position.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of an algorithm forcalculating a person's eyeglass prescription. Initially, wavefront data(210) for each eye, provided by wavefront measurement 150, is used todetermine a wavefront refraction for each eye (220). This involves theuse of an appropriate metric on the wavefront data. The metric dependson the wavefront data, the subjective refraction (if provided) and/orthe additional data. Wavefront refraction data for each eye is used todetermine a cylinder and cylinder axis for each eye (250). The cylinderrefers to a cylindrical deviation from a spherical lens that part of aperson's prescription, usually used to correct for astigmatism. Thecylinder axis refers to the relative orientation of the cylinder foreach eye. Concurrently to determining the cylinder and cylinder axis,the mean sphere of wavefront refraction for each eye is adjusted (260)based on the wavefront refraction data, subjective refraction data 230and/or additional data 240 for each eye. For example, if ECP 132 had toadjust the mean sphere ascertained from subjective refraction 140 forone eye, this adjustment can be emulated by adjusting the wavefrontrefractive mean sphere of the other eye by a certain amount thedifference between the mean sphere for the left eye is the same as theright eye as calculated from subjective refraction 140 is the same asthe difference calculated from wavefront refraction 150.

Once appropriate mean sphere adjustments are calculated, new mean spherevalues are determined from the adjustments (270). The adjusted meansphere values are combined with the cylinder and cylinder axiscalculated in step 250 to determine the prescription for the person(280).

In general, the person's eyeglass prescription can be determined to ahigh level of accuracy using the procedures presented herein. Forexample, sphere and cylinder can be determined to within about 0.25 dptor less (e.g., about 0.1 dpt or less, about 0.05 dpt or less, 0.01 dptor less). Cylinder axis can be determined to within about ±5° or less(e.g., about ±4° or less, about ±3° or less, about ±2° or less, ±1° orless).

Referring back to FIG. 4 , after determination of the lens prescriptionis complete, the calculation computer 142 sends the lens prescriptiondata to the ECP 132 (184). The ordering computer 136 receives the lensprescription data (186) and the ECP 132 reviews the prescription. TheECP 132 determines if any changes are desired and/or needed to theprescription (188). If the ECP 132 decides to make changes to theprescription or to other features of the lenses (e.g., the material, thecoatings, the eyeglass frame), the ECP 132 revises the information inthe ordering computer 136 and the ordering computer sends the revisedinformation to the calculation computer 142 (190). The calculationcomputer 142 receives the information (192) and re-determines the lensprescription (182) and sends the lens prescription to the orderingcomputer (184).

After all selections have been made and the ECP 132 is satisfied withthe prescription, the ECP 132 orders the lenses from the manufacturinglocation 150, e.g., a third party or in-house lens maker. In order toplace the order for the lenses, the ordering computer 136 transfersinformation needed to generate the lens to the manufacturing computer152 (194). This information includes the prescription information forthe lenses and information about the materials used to create the lens.Since the calculations to generate the lens prescription based on theinformation from the ECP's examination of the patient's eyes and thewavefront measurements were performed using the calculation computer142, it is not necessary to transfer the wavefront measurements to themanufacturing computer 152. The manufacturing computer 152 receives theorder information (196) and manufactures the lenses according to theorder information (198).

The process of determining the lens prescription and lenscharacteristics can be an iterative process where the ECP 132 submitsinformation to the calculation computer 142, receives lens prescriptionand lens characteristics, and revises the information based on thereceived lens prescription and lens characteristics. FIG. 6 shows anexemplary process 300 for determining lens characteristics based onfactors such as prescription, manufacturability, cost, weight, coatings,and/or lens thickness. Since the calculations for determining the lensprescription and lens characteristics are performed at a location otherthan the manufacturing site (e.g., on the calculation computer 142), theECP 132 can revise the prescription in such an iterative process priorto placing an order for the lenses.

In process 300, shown in FIG. 6 , the calculation computer 142 receivesinformation from the ECP 132 (302) and determines lens characteristicsincluding the lens prescription (304). For example, the calculationcomputer can determine the lens prescription and characteristics usingone or more of the processes described herein. Based on the calculatedlens prescription and characteristics, the calculation computer 142determines whether the lens can be manufactured (306). If the lens cannot be manufactured, the calculation computer 142 sends a notificationto the ECP 132 (308). The ECP 132 revises the information sent to thecalculation computer 142 and the calculation computer 142 determines arevised lens prescription and characteristics (304). If the lens iscapable of being manufactured, the calculation computer 142 determinesan estimated cost for manufacturing the lenses (310). The cost can bebased on the type of material selected for the lens, the shape of thelens, the coating on the lens, and/or the prescription. The calculationcomputer compares the estimated cost and the lens characteristics topre-set threshold values (312). The threshold values can be set by theECP 132 at the time the information is sent to the calculation computer142 or can be predetermined and stored in the calculation computer 142.For example, threshold values can be set for the maximum thickness ofthe lens, maximum weight of the lens, and/or maximum price of the lens.If the determined lens characteristics do not exceed any of thethresholds, the lens prescription, lens characteristics, and estimatedcost are sent to the ECP 132 (316). On the other hand, if one or more ofthe determined lens characteristics exceeds a threshold, the calculationcomputer determines alternatives for the lens (318). For example, if thecost of the lens exceeds the maximum price threshold, the calculationcomputer can suggest an alternative material for fabrication of thelens. In another example, if the lens weight exceeds a weight-basedthreshold, the calculation computer can suggest an alternative, lightermaterial for manufacturing the lens. After the calculation computerdetermines alternatives (318), the original lens prescription, lenscharacteristics, and estimated cost and the alternative lensprescription, lens characteristics, and estimated cost are sent to theECP 132 (320). After receiving the information about the lensprescription, lens characteristics, and estimated cost, the ECP 132reviews the information and determines whether to order the lenses.

In some embodiments, the wavefront measurement can provide additionalinformation about the person's vision. For example, wavefrontmeasurement 150 can be used to provide information about the person'snight vision. Furthermore, a conical topography measurement can be madeconcurrently to the wavefront measurement 150, in order to determineadditional information about the refractive status of the eye, which canalso be used in the calculation of the eyeglass prescription. Thetopographic information can also be used, for example, to dispensecontact lenses.

The additional information (e.g., about night vision) can be obtainedfrom the same wavefront measurement used to obtain prescriptioninformation. Accordingly, this information can be obtained withoutfurther stressing or inconveniencing the person.

While in at least some of the embodiments described herein, connectionswere described between the order computer 132 and the calculationcomputer 142 and between the order computer 132 and the manufacturingcomputer 152, in some embodiments additional Or alternative connectionscould exist. For example, in some embodiments, there could additionallybe a direct link between the calculation computer 142 and themanufacturing computer 152. For example, an ECP could enter informationinto the order computer 132 and use the calculation computer 142 toperform the calculations to determine the characteristics of the lens.After the ECP approved the determined characteristics of the lens, theorder computer 132 could transmit a command to the calculation computer142. Upon receipt of the command the calculation computer 142 could sendthe information for manufacturing the lens to the the manufacturingcomputer 152.

The systems (e.g., the order computer 132, the calculation computer 142,and the manufacturing computer 152) and methods described herein can beimplemented digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware,firmware, software, web-enabled applications, or in combinationsthereof. Data structures used to represent information provided can bestored in memory and in persistence storage. Apparatus of the inventioncan be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in amachine-readable storage device for execution by a programmableprocessor and method actions can be performed by a programmableprocessor executing a program of instructions to perform functions ofthe invention by operating on input data and generating output. Theinvention can be implemented advantageously in one or more computerprograms that are executable on a programmable system including at leastone programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructionsfrom, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system,at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computerprogram can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object orientedprogramming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired, andin any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language.Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and specialpurpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receiveinstructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random accessmemory. Generally, a computer will include one or more mass storagedevices for storing data flies, such devices include magnetic disks,such as internal hard disks and removable disks magneto-optical disksand optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodyingcomputer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatilememory; including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, suchgas EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as,internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; andCD_ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for dispensing eyeglasses, the systemcomprising: a first computer located at an eye care professional'soffice, the first computer being in communication with a second computerand a third computer associated with a lens manufacturing site, thethird computer being located at a separate location from the eye careprofessional's office, the first computer and the second computer, thefirst computer being programmed to: receive information about a person'svision, the information comprising refraction data of the person's eyeand wavefront data, and information about a material to create a lens;send the information about the person's vision and the material tocreate the lens to the second computer; the second computer beingconfigured to calculate a lens prescription based on the refraction dataof the person's eye and on the wavefront data, and to send anotification that the lens cannot be manufactured or a calculated lensprescription to the first computer, wherein the second computer isfurther configured to determine a lens characteristic and to compare thelens characteristic to a threshold value, wherein the lens prescriptionis calculated from at least one of determined Zernike coefficients or athree-dimensional wavefront map; the first computer further beingconfigured to send an order for the lens based on the calculated lensprescription and the information about the material to create the lensto the third computer, the order comprising the calculated lensprescription, wherein the calculated lens prescription comprises atleast one or more parameter selected from the group consisting ofsphere, cylinder, cylinder axis, prism, and base, and wherein the secondcomputer is configured to be updated if an algorithm for determining atleast one of the calculated lens prescription or the information aboutthe material to create the lens is generated or updated.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the wavefront data is derived from one or morewavefront measurements.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the firstcomputer is in communication with a wavefront sensor located at the eyecare professional's office, where the wavefront measurements are madewith the wavefront sensor.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore parameters are determined by the second computer with the algorithmthat fits a torical surface to the wavefront data or that uses an imagequality metric to evaluate a calculated image of a point source on theperson's retina.
 5. A method of dispensing eyeglasses, the methodcomprising: determining information about a person's vision based on oneor more refractions of the person's eye and measured wavefront data;receiving, at a first computer, information about the person's visionand information about a material to create a lens; sending theinformation about the person's vision and the information about thematerial to create the lens to a second computer; receiving, at thefirst computer from the second computer, a notification that the lenscannot be manufactured or prescription information calculated by thesecond computer based on the information about the person's vision, thereceived prescription information based on the refraction data of theperson's eye and on the wavefront data comprising at least one parameterselected from the group consisting of sphere, cylinder, cylinder axis,prism, and base; and ordering a lens based on the prescriptioninformation based on the refraction data of the person's eve and on thewavefront data and the information about the material to create the lensby sending from the first computer the prescription information to athird computer associated with a lens manufacturing site, the thirdcomputer being in a location different from the first computer and thesecond computer, wherein the second computer is programmed to derive thecalculated lens prescription for the person based on at least one ofdetermined Zernike coefficients or a three-dimensional wavefront map andsend the calculated lens prescription to the first computer, and whereinthe second computer is configured to be updated if an algorithm fordetermining at least one of the calculated lens prescription or theinformation about the material to create the lens is generated orupdated.
 6. A system for dispensing eyeglasses, the system comprising: asecond computer located at a different location from a first computerlocated at an eye care professional's office, the second computer beingin communication with the first computer and the second computer beingprogrammed to: receive, from the first computer, information about aperson's vision comprising refraction data and wavefront data, andinformation about a material to create a lens; determine whether thelens can be manufactured based on the prescription information and theinformation about the material to create the lens or generate a lensprescription by performing calculations based on the information about amaterial to create the lens and the refraction data and the wavefrontdata, wherein the lens prescription comprises at least one parameterselected from the group consisting of sphere, cylinder, cylinder axis,prism, and base, wherein the second computer is configured to determinea lens characteristic and to compare the lens characteristic to athreshold value; send a notification that the lens cannot bemanufactured or the lens prescription to the first computer, wherein thesecond computer is programmed to derive the calculated lens prescriptionfor the person based on the refraction data and the wavefront data andsend the calculated lens prescription to the first computer, wherein thelens prescription is calculated from at least one of determined Zernikecoefficients or a three-dimensional wavefront map, and wherein thesecond computer is configured to calculate the lens prescription byray-tracing.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the wavefront data isderived from one or more wavefront measurements.
 8. The system of claim7, wherein the first computer is in communication with a wavefrontsensor located at the eye care professional's office, where thewavefront measurements are made with the wavefront sensor.
 9. The systemof claim 6, wherein the one or more parameters are determined by thesecond computer with the algorithm that fits a torical surface to thewavefront data or that uses an image quality metric to evaluate acalculated image of a point source on the person's retina.
 10. A methodfor dispensing eyeglasses, the method comprising: determininginformation about a person's vision, the information about the person'svision comprising refraction data and wavefront data; receivinginformation about the person's vision and information about a materialto create a lens at a second computer from a first computer located at adifferent location; determining whether the lens can be manufacturedbased on the prescription information and the information about thematerial to create the lens or generating a lens prescription byperforming calculations based on the information about the material tocreate the lens and the refraction data and the wavefront data, whereinthe lens prescription comprises at least one parameter selected from thegroup consisting of sphere, cylinder, cylinder axis, prism, and base;and sending a notification that the lens cannot be manufactured orsending the lens prescription to the first computer, wherein the secondcomputer is programmed to derive the calculated lens prescription forthe person based on at least one of determined Zernike coefficients or athree-dimensional wavefront map and send the calculated lensprescription to the first computer, and wherein the second computer isfurther configured to calculate the lens prescription by ray-tracing.11. A system for dispensing eyeglasses, the system comprising: a firstcomputer, a second computer, and a third computer, wherein the thirdcomputer is associated with a lens manufacturing site, the thirdcomputer being in a location different from the first computer and thesecond computer, and the first computer is programmed to: receiveinformation about a person's vision based on one or more refractions ofthe person's eye and wavefront data, and to receive information about amaterial to create a lens; send the information about the person'svision and the information about the material to create the lens over anetwork to the second computer; and receive prescription informationfrom the second computer and to send an order for the lens based on theprescription information and the information about the material tocreate the lens to the third computer; the second computer is programmedto: receive the information about the person's vision; calculateprescription information based on the refraction data of the person'seye and on the wavefront data, the prescription information comprisingat least one parameter selected from the group consisting of sphere,cylinder, cylinder axis, prism, and base, wherein the second computer isconfigured to determine a lens characteristic and to compare the lenscharacteristic to a threshold value; determine whether the lens can bemanufactured based on the prescription information and the informationabout the material to create the lens; and send a notification that thelens cannot be manufactured or send the prescription information to thefirst computer; and the third computer is programmed to: receive theorder for the lens based on the prescription information and theinformation about the material to create the lens, wherein the secondcomputer is programmed to derive the calculated lens prescription forthe person based on the wavefront data and send the calculated lensprescription to the first computer, wherein the lens prescription iscalculated from at least one of determined Zernike coefficients or athree-dimensional wavefront map, and wherein the calculated lensprescription is optimized for a distance different from infinity. 12.The system of claim 11, wherein the refraction is an objectiverefraction and the information about the person's eye is derived fromone or more wavefront measurements.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinthe first computer is in communication with a wavefront sensor locatedat the eye care professional's office, where the wavefront measurementsare made based on the wavefront sensor.
 14. The system of claim 11,wherein the one or more parameters are determined by the second computerwith the algorithm that fits a torical surface to the wavefront data orthat uses an image quality metric to evaluate a calculated image of apoint source on the person's retina.
 15. A method for dispensingeyeglasses, the method comprising: determining information about aperson's vision based on one or more refractions of the person's eye andwavefront data; receiving at a first computer information about theperson's vision and information about a material to create a lens, andsending the information about the person's vision; calculating at asecond computer prescription information based on the information aboutthe material to create the lens and the information about the person'svision or determining whether the lens can be manufactured based on theprescription information and the information about the material tocreate the lens, the prescription information comprising at least oneparameter selected from the group consisting of sphere, cylinder,cylinder axis, prism, and base; receiving at a third computer anotification that the lens cannot be manufactured or an order for a lenssent from the first computer, the order being based on the prescriptioninformation, wherein the third computer is associated with a lensmanufacturing site, the third computer being in a location differentfrom the first computer and the second computer, wherein the secondcomputer is programmed to derive the calculated lens prescription forthe person based on at least one of determined Zernike coefficients or athree-dimensional wavefront map and send the calculated lensprescription to the first computer, and wherein the calculated lensprescription is optimized for a distance different from infinity.